“Poaching is an organized crime that not only affects biodiversity but is also an economic and security threat. It undermines the stability of fragile states and takes from the poorest populations who depend on natural resources,” said Richard Carroll, Vice President, Africa Program, WWF.

“Governments need to work together to improve regulation, enforcement and educate the public about the consequences of the demand for ivory.”

Central Africa remains the hardest hit with poaching rates twice as high as the continental average, according to analysis conducted on behalf of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Scientists say the region has lost nearly two-thirds of its elephant population over the past decade, leaving little time left to reverse its decline.